Dong Nai nurtures young literary talent

From their very first pages, many students and young authors in Dong Nai are gradually demonstrating their talent and passion for literature.

Students participating in the 2026 Dong Nai Young Writers’ Camp interact with writers and poets.

Timely support from the Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association, together with the dedication of previous generations of writers and poets, has continued to fuel the passion of young writers, inspiring them to nurture their emotions and seek new directions on their creative journeys.

Where literary passion takes root

At the age of 13, Nguyen Bao Anh, a class-8A6 student at Nguyen Van Troi Secondary School in Phuoc Long Ward, has already had her first works published in several newspapers and on literary websites. She was introduced to literature through extra classes and the encouragement of her teacher, writer Bui Thi Bien Linh, who patiently guided her and provided feedback on every sentence, word choice, and rhyme in her early writings. To date, Bao Anh has had three poems and one prose piece published in newspapers and magazines.

"This year, I was chosen to participate in the Dong Nai Young Writers' Camp. I am especially excited to meet young peers with similar interests and interact with established writers and poets from the city, gaining more opportunities to learn. At the same time, I have realized that every young writer has their own unique way of observing and telling their story," said Bao Anh.

Bao Anh added, "For me, literature does not necessarily require searching for grand things; sometimes, you just need to know how to listen and observe life closely. Even the most ordinary things can become beautiful and meaningful. Through my new work, I hope to preserve a part of my youthful emotions and convey those beautiful things to readers."

Alongside school-age writers, many young authors in Dong Nai are passionate about literature, writing and publishing works, and winning major awards. Notable names include Le Phan Hieu Anh (poetry), Ly Thang Long (poetry and stories), Tran Huynh Quynh (poetry and essays), Le Vu Anh Dao (stage scripts), and Hoang Thi Quynh Trang (stories and stage scripts). Under the guidance and mentorship of Dong Nai's renowned writers, poets, and scriptwriters, these authors are gradually shaping their own creative styles, helping shape a new generation of young writers in the city.

Author Hoang Thi Quynh Trang, who joined the 2026 Dong Nai Young Writers’ Camp as a teacher accompanying the young participants, said, "This is a very special trip that has given me valuable historical and social knowledge, as well as inspiration and motivation for my writing. In the group, I am fortunate to be part of the next generation and honored to participate under the guidance of Dong Nai's established writers and benefit from their shared experience. I also had the chance to witness the city's and the country's budding talents taking their first steps on the path of artistic creation: the young, dynamic, and creative students in secondary and high schools."

"After this year's camp trip, I am developing an idea for a work that recreates the traditional cultural beauty and tourism of Dong Nai City," said author Quynh Trang.

Students participating in the 2026 Dong Nai Young Writers’ Camp visit the Hang Gon Megalithic Tomb in Hang Gon Ward.

Supporting young writers

According to Pham Van Hoang, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association, the young writers' camp aims to improve the creative skills of young members and discover and nurture students with literary and artistic talent. It also provides an opportunity for them to express their thoughts and feelings about their homeland, the country, and contemporary life.

"The camp is a stepping stone for them to get closer to literary and artistic activities, learn from their predecessors, and gain more motivation to pursue their passion. Through the camp, the association hopes to discover promising writers and create a successor generation for Dong Nai's literary and artistic community in the future," said Pham Van Hoang.

Writer Bui Thi Bien Linh, Deputy Head of the Dong Nai Chapter of the Vietnam Writers' Association, highly appreciated the attention from the leadership of the Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association, the enthusiastic response from students, and the support of their families. Providing opportunities for young people, especially students who are still in school, to gain real-world experience will open up opportunities to discover and nurture future literary talents.

According to writer Bui Thi Bien Linh, the most important factors for young writers seeking to develop a unique voice are the ability to observe subtly and to nurture genuine emotions inspired by the simple things in life. These close-to-home experiences will become sustainable material for a long-term creative journey.

The 2026 Dong Nai Young Writers’ Camp, organized by the Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association, took place from August 12 to 14 in the communes and wards of southern Dong Nai. Seventeen young participants, mostly students from secondary and high schools in the city, took part. As part of the camp, they took field trips to the century-old rubber forest at the Dau Giay Rubber Plantation, offered incense at the Long Khanh Martyrs' Memorial, visited the Hang Gon Megalithic Tomb, and experienced the scenic beauty of Chua Chan Mountain.

With timely support from all levels, sectors, and units, together with the enthusiasm of previous generations, a solid foundation is being built for young literary talent in Dong Nai. These field trips and pages filled with the breath of life will continue to serve as a bridge connecting young literary talents, helping them reach further and make positive contributions to the development of literature and arts in Dong Nai and nationwide.

By My Ny –  Translated by Minh Hong, Minho